Apparatus for handling recumbent persons



Jan. 26, 1954 J. E. LENAHAN 2,666,930

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING RECUMBENT PERSONS Filed Sept. 9, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet l I INVENTOR. dbfin E. Lenahan A TTORNE Y6 Jan. 26, 1954 J. E. LENAHAN APPARATUS FOR HANDLING RECUMBENT PERSONS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 9, 1947 4 INVENTOR. J07? Lenakan flTTORNEYS.

Jan. 26, 1954 J. E. LENAHAN 2,666

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING RECUMBENT PERSONS Filed Sept. 9, 194'? 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 I ii 22 2 ,29 I 7 A Lu-u uu- "HH 1H il 1 N j g T r? J /5 Z6 ,7 X9! 30 zzitqjz Z4 7 3/ 34 34:

1111",, "III: 'IIIII' INVENTOR. John E- Lenahan T TURNEYS Jan. 26, 1954 J. E. LENAHAN 2,666,930

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING RECUMBENT PERSONS Filed Sept. 9, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. John E- Lefiahan ATTORNZL'YS.

Patented Jan. 26, 1954 APPARATUS FOR HANDLING RECUMBENT PERSONS John :E. Lenahan, Cornwall-on-Hudson, N. Y.

Application September 9, 1947, Serial No.- 772,911

4- Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus for lifting, transferring and temporarily supporting persons in a reclining position, as disclosedin Lenahan Patent No. 2,404,734, issued July 23, 1946, and more particularly to improvements therein and accessional features of construction whereby persons may also be so handled in a sitting position.

The invention has particular reference to an articulated carrier and a suspension means therefor, wherein the suspension means is utilizable with a mobile platform or carriage interchange ably in place of a pair of members of the type utilizable solely for handling recumbent persons, as in said Lenahan patent forexample, whereby recumbent persons may be manipulated into'a sitting position and transferred in such position into a conventional chair andfrom a chair, in sitting position, into a bed and subsequently released into a reclining position.

2-. of the apparatus as viewed from the left in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6'- is'a rear view in elevation of' a detachable torso and head rest panel per se;

Fig. 'Tis a view in. perspective'of detachable seating panelframe per se;

Fig. 8' is a transversesectional view in elevation taken on the line 8--8 of Fig. 5' showing a pivoted caster base member fully extended and the opposite member partially extended;

Fig. 9 is a-sectional view'in elevation, partly I fore-shortened, taken on the. line 99of Fig. 8;

lhe invention has further reference to an improved apparatus of the character specified wherein a portion of the mobile carriage or platform is relatively adjustable into any one of a plurality of positions whereby the platform is adapted for passage thereof through narrow doorways, corridors or hallways, as in hospitals and in private homes, or for the storagethereof in a relatively small space.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part hereinafter and in part will be obvious herefrom, the same being realized and attained by means of the improved instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appended claims.

The accompanying drawings, referredto herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrate one improved embodiment of the invention, and together with the description, serveto explain the principles thereof.

Of the drawings:

Fig. l is a perspective view of the complete apparatus, embodying the invention, as assembled and adjusted for transferring a patient in sitting position;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary detail view in perspective of the anchoring end of one of the angular supporting arms shown'in Fig. l;

3 is a fore-shortened detail view in elevation partly in section illustrating the attachment of the anchoring end of an angular supporting arm to the plunger of one of the pedestal jacks;

Fig. 4 is a detail sectional'view taken on the line -%4 of Fig. 3.;

ig. 5 is a view in elevation, of the-front side Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view taken on the line lil-l ll of Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is a detail view in perspective illustrating an open sided hinge bearingas' formed at one end ofeach channelsection member;

Fig. 1215 a view in end elevation of' the apparatus in general" in operative relation to a hospital bed-shown in broken lines;

Fig. 13 is a similar view illustrating the apparatus in general in operative relation to a conventional upholstered armchair shown in broken lines;

Fig. 14' is a top plan view of'the apparatus with a pair of cantilever supported scoops of known form, substituted for the suspended carrier in the preceding'figures, andin operative, relation to a hospital had shown in broken lines;

Fig. 15 is an end'view inelevation ofv the apparatus in Fig. i i-per se; and

Fig. lfi' is-a detail view in elevation-illustrating an auxiliary-extensionbracket connected between a plunger-and anchoring end of an angular supporting member (Fig. 2) in depending, oii set relation tothe plunger;

The principal object of" the invention is to provide an improved portable apparatus including interchangeable appurtenances therefor which is readily adjustable-with respect to either a bed and arecumbentperson-therein, ora conventional arm-chair'anda person sitting therein.

Another object of the invention is toprovide an improved portable apparatus, as specified, which is'readily adjustable for passage thereof through narrow door-ways; corridorsor hallways in hospitals or iii-private homes;

A further-object of'the invention is to provide an improved portable apparatus of the character specified which-by reason of its versatility, compactness and relatively inexpensive construction renders it of especial value-in the handling of patients in private-homes by asingle-- attendant or nurse.

With the above and other objects in view, the

inventiorrresides in the-improved features ofrconstruction, novel additional parts extending the useful range of the apparatus, and the interchangeable features thereof, combinations and arrangements of the character hereinafter described and claimed.

Briefly described, the invention provides for the use of one or more concave scoops or patientsupports, including handles therefor, which are adapted to be inserted beneath the body of a recumbent person while lying in a bed, as disclosed in the herein identified Lenahan patent. In accordance with the present invention, the free end of each of the scoop handles is provided with an improved anchoring or attaching means as hereinafter described.

The major portion of the apparatus, constructed in accordance with the present invention, comprises a mobile carriage or platform including a pair of pivotally adjustable platform extension members and a pair of pedestal jacks wherein the plungers are each provided with an improved mechanism for receiving the attaching means on each of the above noted scoop handles in interlocking relation or, alternatively, a similar attaching means provided on one end of each of a pair of angular supporting arms adapted for the suspension therefrom of an articulated patient receiving carrier.

Referring to the drawings, the improved apparatus indicated generally at [0, includes a platform I! comprising a substantially rectangular plate member I 2 having a marginal portion [3 turned normal thereto along three sides thereof whereby to substantially impart rigidity thereto.

For a purpose presently to be described, the plate member I2 is further provided with an aperture H! in each corner portion l5 thereof and, with a relatively small aperture l6 radially adjacent the aperture l4, as clearly shown in Figs. 1, 8 and 9.

As clearly shown in Fig. 11, a relatively heavy U-sha-pe channel member ll, of a length substantially equal to the width of the opposite ends of the plate member I2, is provided with an aperture 18 adjacent each end thereof. A relatively small angle plate I9, apertured as at 20, is set in one end of the member H, with the respective apertures i8 and 20 in spaced axial alignment, and welded thereto as at 2|, one end portion of one side wall of the member I! being cut away, as at 22, to provide a hinge bearing 23 at one end of and in the plane of the member 11.

Further in accordance with the present invention, a channel member H, as shown and described in connection with Fig. 11, is secured as by welding, for example, to the underside of the plate member I2, at each opposite end thereof, in abutting parallelism with the turned margin !3 and with the apertures i3 and 20 of the hinge bearing 23 in axial alignment with the aperture i l in the corner portion 15 thereof.

As clearly shown in Figs. 8 and 9, each of a pair of suitable swivel caster assemblies 24 are directly recessed in the aperture i 8, adjacent the end of the channel member I! opposite its hinge bearing 23, and secured to the plate member !2 by means of suitable rivets 25 or the like extending through the caster base 26 and the plate I2.

As clearly shown in Figs. 8 and 9, a pair of elongated extension members 21, preferably light forgingsof channel section, are each provided adjacent one end thereof with a caster assembly 28 suitably pivoted in the underside thereof as at 29.

The opposite end of each extension member 21 is constituted by a solid, semi-circular flat portion 30 having a central bore 3| therein, and a plurality of relatively small angularly spaced apertures 32 radially adjacent the bore 3:.

As thus provided, the end portion 30 of each extension member 21 is positioned in one of the aforesaid hinge bearings 23 and pivotally connected thereto by means of a headed pin bolt 33 including a retaining nut 34 therefor, whereby the extension members 21 are angularly adjustable relative to the mobile platform thus formed.

The platform extension members 2'. are adapted to be locked in any one of a plurality of positions by means of a shouldered pin 35 disposed in the aperture It provided therefor in the plate I2 of the platform H and adapted to be selectively inserted in any one of the apertures 32, provided therefor in the end portion 30, which may be brought into register with the reduced end 36 of the .pin 35.

Further in accordance with the invention, a pair of jacks 31, of the hydraulic type for example, are suitably secured on the platform H in spaced vertical alignment as by means of the screw bolts 38. Each of the jacks 3! is constituted by a pedestal portion defining a cylinder C closed at its bottom end with a fluid conducting conduit 35} leading into its bottom end and, a cylindrical plunger 40, having end faces square therewith, disposed in each cylinder C for slidable movement relative thereto in known manner.

A horizontally disposed handle bar 4!, suitably connected at each end thereof to one of the pedestal jacks 31, as at 42, provides a gripping member whereby the platform may be conveniently guided.

In a manner similar to that shown in the herein identified patent, a hydraulic pump assembly 43, including a fluid reservoir 44, a spring influenced, foot actuable pump pedal 45 and a relief pedal 46, is suitably secured on the platform I! between the jacks 31, as by screw bolts or the like 47, and connected to each conduit 39 for pumping a fluid into the cylinders C whereby the plunger-s 40 are elevated and lowered in known manner.

The upper end of each plunger 4!] is counterbored for a short distance, as indicated at 48 in Fig. 3, for the reception of an annular pilot bearing 49 integral with and depending from the bottom face of a clevis block 5!! whereby it is secured to its correlated plunger 43 by means of a pin 51 extending through the plunger 49 and the pilot bearing 49 as clearly shown in Fig. 3.

Each of the clevis blocks 50 define a rectangular slot 52 formed by a pair of upstanding, spaced, parallel walls 53 provided with a pair of aligned apertures adjacent one end thereof for the slidable reception therethrough of a locking pin 54 suitably tethered to one wall thereof by an interconnected chain 55.

Further in accordance with the invention each of a pair of angularly formed tubular members, generally indicated at 56, include an anchoring block 5?, of rectangular cross section, which is attached to one end portion 58 thereof by means of an interconnecting stub shaft 59, suitably telescoped in and pinned, as at 6B in Fig. 3 to the angular member 56 and anchoring block 51.

Each angular member 56 is further provided with an inclined bracing bar SI suitably connected to and. between its anchoring block 51 and its angularly related portion 62 whereby to maintain the angularly related portions 58 and 62 of each angular member 56' in rigid right angular relation.

As clearly shown in Fig. 2, the uppermost face of each anchoring block 5"! is undercut to provide a shoulder or abutment E3 and a hemi cylindrical groove 6 2 formed in and across its undercut surface, the opposite or bottom face of each block 5? directly below the groove 64 and including the adjacent end face thereof, being arcuately formed as at 66.

As thus provided, each angular member 56 is detachably secured to one of the clevis blocks 59 and to one or" the jack plungers dill indirectly, by the insertion of its correlated anchoring block 5'? in the slot 52 of the clevis block 59 and inserting the locking pin 54, chained thereto, through its aligned apertures whereby the pin 54 is positioned over the groove 64, provided therefor in the anchoring block 5?, and. in engaging registration with its defining surface as clearly shown in Figs. 3, a and 5.

Alternatively, each angular member 55 may be so detachably secured without first withdrawing the locking pin M from the clevis block Ell. This may be done by inserting the reduced end of its correlated anchoring block 5'! in the slot 52, at its end farthest from the pin 54, while tilting the same to bring the groove 64 under the pin 5d and subsequently forcing the adjacent end portion 53 of the angular member 55 into vertical poplatform H but not beyond the platform extension members 2? when in fully extended position as in Fig. 1.

As clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the extended port-ion E2 of each angular member 55 is provided,

inwardly of its free end, with a spacing collar t l suitably secured thereon as by means of a set screw, pin or the like $8, and at its free end with a finial in the form of a shouldered button plug 59 suitably secured as by means of a set screw, pin or the like lil as and for a purpose now 5 to be described.

In an alternative arrangement for handling recumbent persons while lying in a bed, the handles l'i of a pair of concave scoops or patient supports '52, as disclosed in the herein identified patare each provided, at their free ends, with an anchoring block identical with the anchoring block 5? secured to each of the aforesaid angular members 55.

Accordingly, as clearly shown in Figs. 13 and 14, a similar anchoring block ?3 is suitably secured as by welding or otherwise to the free end of each scoop handle H, in the plane thereof, whereby a pair of such scoops 32 may be utilized with the improved apparatus in lieu of the angular supporting members 56.

For the purpose of supplementing the range of adjustment of the pedestal jacks ill whereby to accommodate the improved apparatus it to a supporting surface lower than a conventional arm chair when desirable or necessary, an auxiliary offset bracket be similarly connected to and between each or the clevis blocks 56 and to the anchoring block 5'? of each angular member 55 or, the anchoring block 23 on'eaoh of the scoop handles H in themanner hereinbefore described, and as exemplified in Fig. 16.

Articulated patient carrier As best shown in Figs. 1, 5, 6 and '7, an articulated carrier which is adapted to be readily assembled and disassembled, andto be supported in an assembled condition by the aforesaid angular members 56 in suspended relation thereto, is indicated generally at 15.

As shown, the carrier #5 comprises a substantially H-shape base panel B, a head panel H, a foot end'frame member F, and a pair of connecting links '56, each provided with an open eye ll in the opposite ends thereof.

As clearly shown in Fig. '7, the base panel B is constituted by pair of spaced parallel railsor bars 18 having an open eye 15 formed in each of their opposite ends and, a relatively short panel member 80, having one end margin formed on the arc of a circle and side margins formed substantially normal thereto suitably secured as by welding, for example, intermediate the ends of and to and between the opposite side faces thereof.

As clearly shown in Fig. 6, the head panel 1-1 is constituted by an approp -iately curved plate member 82' having its side margins turned normal thereto for amajor portion of its length with a pair of suitably secured button studs 33 spaced longitudinally along-the lower end portion of each turned margin. The panel H is further provided on its rear face, adjacent its opposi e end, with a pair of'elongated hooks M each positioned parallel with and at one side margin and appropriately secured as at 85.

The foot end member. F is constituted by a pair of flat bars 86 suitably connected in parallel relation by a pair of spaced rungs $5? intermediate the respective ends thereof. Each bar 83 is provided at one end portion with pair of spaced button studs 88 and at its opposite with an elongated hook $9 having its hook portion turned normal to its attached end.

As shown in Fig. 5, the connecting link members 16 are formed to a length substantially greater than the length of the rails '58 of the base panel B whereby to receive the button studs and 38, provided respectively on the head panel H and end frame F, in the eyes i? thereof, the eyes 19 in the ends of the aforesaid rails "is being likewise adapted to receive the button. studs 33 and 88.

Finally, an additional link 92?, provided with an open eye 9.! in each of its ends, is extended between the freev ends of the angular members 55 whereby to maintain the extended portions 52 thereof in rigid parallel relation.

From an inspection of Fig. 1, it will he clearly apparent that thelink members it, connecting the. head panel H and end frame of the carrier 55, operate to maintain all'of the carrier forming sections against relative movement with respect to each other and against swinging movement of the carrier 15 on the extended portions of the angular members 56,

Similarly, the collars 67 and end plug 59 in corn junction with th connecting link 96, operate to prevent relative movement of the carrier '55 longitudinally of theextended portions 62 of the an gular members 55.

Operation In the manipulation of a recumbent person in a bed, of the hospital or conven ional type, into sittingrpositionfor transfer intoachair, for ex- Thereafter, the lower ends of the end frame F are placed across the lower limbs of the person, with frame F resting thereon, and the button studs 88, at the said lower ends thereof similarly connected to the opposite eyed ends of the rails 18 of the base panel B.

With the carrier sections B, H and F thus Dositioned beneath the recumbent person, the head panel H is raised and a pillow or pillows inserted to the rear thereof to hold the same at a substantial angle to the base panel B.

At this point, the links 75 are each connected at one end to the intermediate button studs 82 on the head panel H. The end frame F is now raised substantially normal to the base panel B and the opposite ends of the links 16 attached to the intermediate button studs 88 on the bars 86 thereof.

As thus arranged, only the head and torso of the person are inclined at an angle to the lower limbs and the base panel B.

Subsequently, the mobile platform I I with the caster extension members 2'! and the angular supporting members 56, as in Fig. 1, is now moved to the bed 92 and positioned as shown substantially schematically in Fig. 12.

Assuming that the plungers 40 are in a position of minimum adjustment, the pump 43 is operated to raise the angular members 56 until the extended portions 62 thereof are substantially in the path of the carrier hooks 84 and 89 respectively.

The hooks 84 and 89 of the assemble carrier 15 are now placed on the extended portions 62 of the members 56 and the pump pedal 45 actuated whereby the carrier '15 is raised out of the bed 92 with the person supported in substantially sitting position on the base panel B.

The apparatus is now moved away from the bed 92 to permit change of bed linen, transfer of the person into a chair 93 as in Fig. 13 or, for treatment. At this point it is to be observed that one margin 8! of the supporting surface 80 of the base panel B is arcuately formed to provide clearance for the rectal portion of the person as will be understood.

In the transfer of a person sitting in a chair 93 as suggested in Fig. 13 to a bed as suggested in Fig. 12, the elements constituting the carrier 75 per se, are inserted beneath and about the person in a manner identical with that described above in connection with the bed 92.

While the invention has been illustrated and. described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be expressly understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the inventive concept underlying the same. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited except as is necessitated by the prior art and the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. Apparatus for moving a recumbent person to a sitting position and transferring him in that position comprising a movable platform having vertically adjustable means connected thereto, carrier supporting means connected to said vertically adjustable means for supporting a carrier at a fixed distance from said vertically adjustable means, a carrier, said carrier comprising a base panel having a surface area sufficient to receive a part of the upper portion of the lower limbs of the person thereon, a head panel having a surface area suflicient to receive the head and torso thereon, an end frame opposite said head panel, means connecting said base panel, head panel and end frame in detachably hinged end to end relation, means detachably connecting said head panel and end frame to maintain said head panel and end frame in a position in which said head panel and end frame extend upwardly from said base panel, and means on the upper ends of said head panel and end frame for detachably connecting said carrier to said carrier supporting means.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means for prohibiting the longitudinal movement of the carrier toward or away from the vertically adjustable means.

3. Apparatus for moving a recumbent person to a sitting position and transferring him in that position comprising a movable platform, two jack members spaced vertically on said platform, each of said jacks having vertically adjustable means, an L-shaped angle supporting bar attached to the vertically adjustable means of each of the jack members, the vertical member of each said angle bar being connected to the vertically adjustable means of the respective jack member with the horizontal member of said bar extending laterally of said vertical member, said carrier member comprising a base panel having a surface area sunicient to receive a part of the upper portion of the lower limbs of a person thereon, a head panel having a surface area sufficient to receive the head and torso thereon, an end frame opposite said head panel, upper ends of said head panel and end frame supportingly engaged by the horizontal members of said angle bars, means connecting said base panel, head panel and end frame in detachably hinged end to end relation, means detachably connecting said head panel and end frame whereby said head panel and end frame are each maintained at an angle to said base panel.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 including means for preventing longitudinal movement of said carrier on said horizontal members of said L-shaped supporting bars.

JOHN E. LENAHAN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 841,702 Martin Jan. 22, 1907 935,170 Smith Sept. 28, 1909 953,962 Lane Apr. 5, 1910 1,094,117 Butler Apr. 21, 1914 1,876,832 Bancroft Sept. 13, 1932 2,044,964 Bates June 23, 1936 2,218,883 Jones Oct. 22, 1940 2,404,734 Lenahan July 23, 1946 2,439,163 Farmer Apr. 6, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 8,011 Great Britain of 1905 

